Selection Process for LEADER 2014 – 2020

Ireland is conducting a two stage process for the selection of Local Development Strategies. Under stage one of the selection process, any entity who wished to be considered as a Local Action Group (LAG) was invited to submit an expression of interest. For the purposes of LEADER 2014-2020 there are 28 sub-regional areas in Ireland and 45 separate expressions of interest were received. A single expression of interest was received in 19 of the 28 areas and at least 2 expressions of interest were received in the remaining 9 areas.

An Independent Evaluation Committee was established to evaluate the expressions of interests and the Local Development Strategies. Those who were successful in the first stage were notified in July 2015 and were invited to submit a Local Development Strategy for their area. A minimum of 6 months was allowed for the preparation of Local Development Strategies.

So far LAGs have been selected for 21 of the 28 sub-regional areas. Selection of the remaining 7 areas is nearing completion